I've been taking it for 10+ years and have had no issues with anger. Reading comments on other support groups I've seen that it can affect sleep. I have trouble sleeping.
I’ve been taking extended release Keppra for 8 years. I’m a bit sleepier and more tired than I would expect but it controls the seizures. Why do I take extended release? I had an order from the neurologist to get my Keppra level checked. The person who drew my blood , looked at the order and asked about my seizures. I said I was still having them. She said that she had epilepsy and found that extended release Keppra worked better. I talked to the doctor. Got a new prescription and the problem was solved.
Taking it 5 years and lethargy at highest dose but better at lower dose (4000 daily vs 2000 daily). Am on two other meds as well and still trying to get seizure-free.
Taking it 5 years and lethargy at highest dose but better at lower dose (4000 daily vs 2000 daily). Am on two other meds as well and still trying to get seizure-free.
Hi, @dooleysis - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds like you and your doctor found a dosage of levetiracetam (Keppra) that worked to minimize the lethargy, which is great. What impact on your symptoms have you seen with taking it for 5 years?
I’ve been on Keppra 2x a day for four months. Originally started at 250 2x a day. Doubled to 500 2x a day, and currently sitting at 750 2x mg wise. I’ve had four grand mal seizures since the beginning of this year, every month. I’m grateful to the meds for maybe keeping me somewhat at bay but I wish there was something to stop these major ones that keep on landing me in the hospital and out of work.
@boymama93
Has your physician mentioned increasing the dose again? It may not help until you are taking 1500 mg twice a day. If it doesn't help at an increased dose the doctor may want to add on another medication. I took 5 different meds at one time.
Do you have any type of focal seizures or other generalized seizures?
Have you tried any other seizure meds?
If they decide you have drug resistant epilepsy going to an epilepsy and treated by a team of doctors, lead by an epileptologist would probably be your best option.
Wishing you the best,
Jake
Being raged and angry is not uncommon for Keppra. This can be researched easily. The term I've always heard is "Keppra Rage" I don't think I've experienced such.
Keppra 500 x2 daily Dr. warns strict adherence necessary.
He also suggested that B6 mitigates the "rage" that manifested in me as an "edginess".
According to my spouse, it worked.
I have been taking keppra for a year now. My current dose is 3,000mg of extended release every day. I have had anywhere from mild seizues to a Grand mal seizure which nearly took my life. I also have advanced alzheimers. I have not had one seizure since starting keppra. My ability to function on my own again is all thanks to keppra. For me it has been a miracle drug ( with side effects). I don't know how much time the drug will buy me but I will enjoy the time I have been given back.
I have been taking keppra for a year now. My current dose is 3,000mg of extended release every day. I have had anywhere from mild seizues to a Grand mal seizure which nearly took my life. I also have advanced alzheimers. I have not had one seizure since starting keppra. My ability to function on my own again is all thanks to keppra. For me it has been a miracle drug ( with side effects). I don't know how much time the drug will buy me but I will enjoy the time I have been given back.
How many seizures have you had in total? When did they start? Seizures can be reoccurring or isolated. In my case, I had 2 seizures in a years time and now have not had one in another years time and am weening off Keppra. My point is we do not know if it is the pills stopping a person from having seizures or just the body itself just not having seizures anymore. The body heals itself sometimes and sometimes not. We just do not know. God Bless!
ray hippele
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I’ve been taking extended release Keppra for 8 years. I’m a bit sleepier and more tired than I would expect but it controls the seizures. Why do I take extended release? I had an order from the neurologist to get my Keppra level checked. The person who drew my blood , looked at the order and asked about my seizures. I said I was still having them. She said that she had epilepsy and found that extended release Keppra worked better. I talked to the doctor. Got a new prescription and the problem was solved.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsTaking it 5 years and lethargy at highest dose but better at lower dose (4000 daily vs 2000 daily). Am on two other meds as well and still trying to get seizure-free.
Hi, @dooleysis - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds like you and your doctor found a dosage of levetiracetam (Keppra) that worked to minimize the lethargy, which is great. What impact on your symptoms have you seen with taking it for 5 years?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI’ve been on Keppra 2x a day for four months. Originally started at 250 2x a day. Doubled to 500 2x a day, and currently sitting at 750 2x mg wise. I’ve had four grand mal seizures since the beginning of this year, every month. I’m grateful to the meds for maybe keeping me somewhat at bay but I wish there was something to stop these major ones that keep on landing me in the hospital and out of work.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@boymama93
Has your physician mentioned increasing the dose again? It may not help until you are taking 1500 mg twice a day. If it doesn't help at an increased dose the doctor may want to add on another medication. I took 5 different meds at one time.
Do you have any type of focal seizures or other generalized seizures?
Have you tried any other seizure meds?
If they decide you have drug resistant epilepsy going to an epilepsy and treated by a team of doctors, lead by an epileptologist would probably be your best option.
Wishing you the best,
Jake
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsKeppra 500 x2 daily Dr. warns strict adherence necessary.
He also suggested that B6 mitigates the "rage" that manifested in me as an "edginess".
According to my spouse, it worked.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI have been taking keppra for a year now. My current dose is 3,000mg of extended release every day. I have had anywhere from mild seizues to a Grand mal seizure which nearly took my life. I also have advanced alzheimers. I have not had one seizure since starting keppra. My ability to function on my own again is all thanks to keppra. For me it has been a miracle drug ( with side effects). I don't know how much time the drug will buy me but I will enjoy the time I have been given back.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHow many seizures have you had in total? When did they start? Seizures can be reoccurring or isolated. In my case, I had 2 seizures in a years time and now have not had one in another years time and am weening off Keppra. My point is we do not know if it is the pills stopping a person from having seizures or just the body itself just not having seizures anymore. The body heals itself sometimes and sometimes not. We just do not know. God Bless!
ray hippele